Pathan and Collingwood can shine

Given the fact that they are big favourites to win the upcoming one-day series, it is no surprise to see India odds-on to win the first match in the seven-game series, scheduled for Tuesday in Delhi.

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The home side are 4/7 (1.57) to make a fast start to the series, while England are a 5/4 (2.25) chance to carry over some of the momentum gained from their win in the last Test, a win that tied the series.

As expressed in the outright preview, it is always tough for the touring side when the one-day series comes after the Tests as fatigue and even homesickness sets in.

India, on the other hand, will be out to prove themselves and can be expected to perform in Delhi, even without the services of Sachin Tendulkar, who misses the entire series through injury.

Their record in Delhi, is not great - they have won just six and lost five of their 11 encounters there - but they still have a quality side and it would be just like them if they suddenly put things together in the one-day series.

Captain Rahul Dravid, who performed admirably in the Test series, is the 100/30 (4.33) favourite to top-score for India, but despite his unquestionable brilliance, he is not quite as effective in one-day cricket.

The much more attacking Virender Sehwag makes more appeal at 7/2 (4.50) while Yuvraj Singh is 4/1 (5.00) and Gautam Gambhir is 5/1 (6.00). Mohammad Kaif and Mahendra Dhoni are both 6/1 (7.00) but Irfan Pathan has much greater appeal at 9/1 (10.00).

The paceman has made four half-centuries and is often used as an opener to chase the run-rate along, and has been in good form.

For England, Kevin Pietersen may not have done much in the Test series but he tops the market to be his side's top runscorer in Delhi, at 7/2 (4.50), just ahead of Andrew Strauss at 4/1 (5.00).

Owais Shah and captain Andrew Flintoff are both 5/1 (6.00) while Ian Bell and Paul Collingwood are 11/2 (6.50). Matt Prior is 6/1 (7.00) and Vikram Solanki is 13/2 (7.50).

For me, Collingwood's temperament is a perfect fit for this kind of match and he is worth backing at 11/2 (6.50).

Cambers' Call: Irfan Pathan E/W to be top India scorer - 11/2 (6.50) Paul Collingwood E/W to be top England scorer - 11/2 (6.50)

Please note that odds are correct at time of publication and are subject to change.